NIMASA Celebrates Day of the Dockworker, Reiterates Commitment to Safety and Efficiency

 By Lod Onyeji 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) recently celebrated the Day of the Dockworker, with the Director-General, Dr. Dayo Moberola, reaffirming the agency's commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of dockworkers in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, Dr. Moberola acknowledged the invaluable contributions of dockworkers to the Nigerian maritime industry, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring the seamless movement of goods that fuel the economy. He also commended the Maritime Stakeholders for their pivotal contributions to the development of the Nigerian Maritime industry.

The theme of the celebration, "Safety First, Efficiency Always," was chosen to reflect the agency's core values and commitment to prioritizing the welfare and working conditions of dockworkers. Dr. Moberola emphasized that safety is not just a priority but a fundamental right, and that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that every dockworker returns home safely at the end of each day.

He also highlighted the importance of efficiency in the maritime industry, stating that it is the engine that drives productivity and growth. Dr. Moberola assured the dockworkers that NIMASA is committed to supporting them with the tools, resources, and training necessary to enhance efficiency.

The celebration also featured the launch of the reviewed Minimum Standards for the Dock Labour Industry Booklets, which aims to ensure that dockworkers are treated fairly by Terminal Operators and Stevedoring Companies. Additionally, the agency announced that dockworkers' biometric identification cards are ready, which will help to ensure that they receive the benefits and protections they deserve.

In conclusion, Dr. Moberola reiterated NIMASA's commitment to creating an environment that enables Maritime Labour to function according to international best practices. He also emphasized the need for stakeholders to strictly adhere to high safety standards and ensure that dockworkers are adequately compensated in the event of accidents or fatalities.

The celebration was attended by various stakeholders, including the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, and the National Association of Stevedoring Operators.

The Importance of Nigeria Dockworkers

Nigeria dockworkers play a vital role in the country's economy and maritime industry. Some of the importance of Nigeria dockworkers include:

• Economic Growth: Dockworkers contribute to the growth of Nigeria's economy by facilitating the import and export of goods.
• Job Creation: The dockworkers' industry provides employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians, both directly and indirectly.
• Revenue Generation: Dockworkers help generate revenue for the government through the collection of customs duties, levies, and other charges.
• Maritime Industry Development: Nigeria dockworkers are essential to the development of the country's maritime industry, which is critical to the nation's economic diversification efforts.

Overall, the Day of the Dockworker celebration was a success, and NIMASA's commitment to safety and efficiency is a step in the right direction towards promoting the welfare and well-being of dockworkers in Nigeria.